Point Park's Interrante named RSC Athletic Trainer of the Year 2021-22
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- Ashley Interrante from Point Park (Pa.) University has been selected as the River States Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2021-22. She was selected after a vote from athletic trainers and directors in the conference.
The RSC Athletic Trainer of the Year award annually recognizes outstanding dedication, service and care in the athletic training field for RSC member institutions and the conference as a whole. It was established in 2016-17.
Interrante received the honor in her first year at Point Park. It didn't take her long to make an impact on the Pioneers' teams and within the conference. She was nominated for the award by two different coaches -- one of which was from an opposing school -- and also by the Point Park administration.
Interrante arrived at Point Park during the spring 2022 semester. She began working with the winter and spring sports teams right away and gained the trust of the student-athletes and teams she was serving. Ashley's ability to adjust to the new situation was mentioned in her nomination as a deserving reason for the award.
Her biggest praise for the award came during the baseball season where her efforts led to potential life-saving treatment of an opposing student-athlete. Interrante's care and attention led to the her recommendation of a hospital visit and the eventual identification of a blood clot in the student-athlete. She was praised by all involved for her knowledge and expertise in the situation, including from the emergency room doctor and coaches from both teams.
Ashley graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in August 2021 with a bachelor's degree in athletic training. She is currently completing a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. Interrante is a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Licensed Athletic Trainer. She is also certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a Certified Speed Specialist from the National Association of Speed & Explosion and as a Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Association of Sports Medicine.
Interrante is employed by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), which stations athletic trainers at Point Park through a partnership with the university.
YEAR BY YEAR -- RIVER STATES CONFERENCE ATHLETIC TRAINER OF THE YEAR
2016-17 -- Tara Gerlach, University of Rio Grande (Ohio)
2017-18 -- Tara Gerlach, University of Rio Grande (Ohio)
2018-19 -- Andrew Bolt, Asbury (Ky.) University
2019-20 -- Ariel Allman, Midway (Ky.) University
2020-21 -- Kristen Semrow, IU Southeast
2021-22 -- Ashley Interrante, Point Park (Pa.)